Anne Eckstadt photo Belvidere Republican

The Peace Rally may have caused a little inconvenience to those wanting to drive down S. State St. However, they caused no ruckus and no riot.

By Anne Eickstadt

Editor

“We had been watching the Facebook posts regarding the rioting in Rockford,” said Mayor Mike Chamberlain. “Three weeks ago, we saw a post from a woman in Belvidere regarding a rally on May 10 and I showed it to Belvidere Police Chief Shane Woody. The next day I got a message from the woman, requesting a meeting of her organization.

“Chief Woody and I met with representatives of the Belvidere Social Justice & Peace Society (BSJPS). They were formerly the local Black Lives Matter organization but they changed the name because they disagree with the actions of the national BLM organization.

“They approached us, being reasonable, wanting to establish a new line of communication. We had a two and a half hour meeting. These are good people and residents of Belvidere. They told us what they wanted to do and we made requests. They took those requests back to their organization (everyone gets a vote) and we planned to meet the next Wednesday.

“We were wondering how we would do this event and keep the community calm. There are people out there who want to provoke violence such as Kristin Crowley of Channel 13, who joined the group and tried to get them riled up.

“We included the group in everything, and explained things that they had misunderstood. They didn’t know about the Citizens Police Academy or the Volunteers in Police Service. A lot of things that they had a beef about were things that had happened in other places, not in Belvidere.

“When we met again, they had settled on the morning of Father’s Day as the date of their rally and march. I did not feel that that date was appropriate as it is a day for family, so I managed to push it out to Saturday, June 27. That received a lot of criticism and the third meeting got heated since they really wanted Father’s Day.

“These are Belvidere people. They are good people. We finally agreed on a day and parameters for the event. I have masks for any participant that does not have one and social distancing will be observed. We agreed to begin at the Community Complex Building with a welcome speech, prayer, and a moment of silence. Then a peaceful walk to the State Street Bridge where there will be speeches, and back to the Community Complex Building. Chief Woody will give a talk there and tables for registering in the census will be waiting for any members of the community who have not yet taken part. Dean Foods is providing ice cream sandwiches and General Mills is providing cereal bars.

“They were going to do this anyway but they took the opportunity to come to us and discuss it. That gave us the chance to arrange to make it as safe as possible. Rather than have 400 people walking down State St. and blocking traffic, we can block off State St. for the group to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard.”

The city council was informed a couple of weeks ago. Everything would be fine except for a half a dozen people who decided to object to our preserving order during an event that was already determined upon before the group came to the Chief and me. Everyone participating in the parade has been vetted. This is not an opportunity to create confusion about what MIGHT happen. If interlopers try to start something, we will handle it and they would be arrested.

“This event will happen, rain or shine. There is no rain date.”

On Saturday, June 27, people of all colors gathered at the steps of the Community Complex Building where Mayor Mike said a few words: “Welcome to all here! It may surprise some of you, but we all gather here in common cause – we love and care about our beautiful city. Whatever you thought brought you here, that is the true reason. So, let us continue to travel together along that high road.

“The world today can be viewed as frightening, cruel, and remorseless. The coronavirus has turned our lives upside down, the economy is stumbling and many are unsure of being able to provide for their families, politics has dissolved into bitter polar partisanship, violence has again erupted over racial and social justice issues…

“But, not so much here, and no on this day.

“We are here to build up, not tear down. We are here to listen and love, not libel and label.

“We are here to build hope, not foster apartness and despair for the future.

“We are here for peace.

“Really take a look at everyone here – we are truly more alike than different – hardworking families struggling to stay afloat and build a better world for our children.

“Take a moment, turn and smile at those near you and look, really look, into their eyes. What do you see?

“Take a moment and listen. Did you hear that? Listen again, closely…

“Take another moment. What are you feeling? What is that?

“What you see, hear, and feel is Community rising.

“What a beautiful sight, what a glorious sound, what a warm and wonderful feeling.

“We here today, together, can move our beloved Belvidere a giant step toward trust, open communication, and unity in brotherhood. We are a community of faith, rule of law, and respected history.

“We have much to be grateful for. We have great schools, safe streets, beautiful parks, employment opportunity… but most of all, we have wonderful people.

“But we still have some work to do.

“Today, on this day, let us open our hearts and minds to each other and treat everyone who calls Belvidere home with dignity, respect, and mutual pride. What we can achieve, in the future, working together – is everything.”

Bernie Barnes of the BSJPS spoke a few words, and Rev. Chris Ramirez of the Methodist Church prayed in both English and Spanish. Everyone lined up for the walk. Signs had been put up and State St. was blocked off with police officers at every intersection to keep everyone safe. The walk was punctuated by the cry, “Peace! Unity!” Answered by, “Love our community!”

At the State Street Bridge, a poet of the BSJPS spoke eloquently about building bridges, followed by Pastor David Smith of B-1 Church. The group turned around and made their way back to the Community Complex Building where Ray Richmond of BSJPS spoke on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – from self-accountability through social cooperation. “Working together, we can reduce the workload of the police – police who have built a connection with the community – and we intend to strengthen that connection.”

Pastor Les from Chicago was invited to speak and then Chief Woody. “Initially, I was a little apprehensive,” Chief Woody said. “With everything going on in the country, I was concerned for the community. After our first meeting, I was encouraged and excited. They are trying to do a good thing for the community and I don’t know how anyone can have a problem with that.

“What Ray did not say at the bridge was anything about bridging the gap between the past and the future. It’s up to everyone of us to make this a better future. We at the Belvidere Police Department would not be as successful as we are without the community.”

After the Peace Rally, Chief Woody had this to say, “I think the march itself was a positive step toward opening lines of communication between the city and members of the community. This is an example of what can happen when we are willing to listen to one another. The city and police department are here to serve every of the community without exception. We do a great job of that service, but there is always room to grow.”

Dr. Robert Kopp said, “As a police chaplain for Belvidere and Boone County over the last 15 years, I have the highest esteem for our command staff and officers in the city department and Sheriff’s office.

Coupled with my many years as President of Rock Valley [Junior] Tackle Football, which was the most competitive junior tackle football league in northern Illinois of 11 organizations in greater Rockford including Belvidere, I have always thanked our Lord for the unparalleled racial harmony in our city and county.

“While no one is pure and perfect in every way, which is why we all need Jesus to save us, Belvidere and Boone County model Someone better for Chicago, Rockford, and America.”

Ray Richmond of the Belvidere Social Justice & Peace Society said, “Our society was formed by a diverse group of people who have a common interest in peacefully uniting our community as a whole. Coming from different backgrounds allows us to be in tune with the entire community and be inclusive. Different fields of education and work experience play a major role in helping us bridge the gap and educate the community as well as city officials on different issues that might otherwise not be heard by everyone in our town.

“We want to work together with the people of our town and our city officials in bringing up concerns as well as creating a community of inclusiveness for everyone. Our work will include creating events and programs that allow people and law enforcement to know each other and have a platform to educate on topics of racial relations and open dialogue between the needs of the community and how they can be represented by our city officials and law enforcement. That will include accountability from both sides.”

“Diversity makes America great,” said Bernie Barnes. “The differences we have makes America come alive like a painting. In order for change to happen, we have to agree to work together. Together we can make the community an all-inclusive one.”

 

 
 
 
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